Russ Bergeron

Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

Throughout his 35 years in the real estate industry, Russ Bergeron’s motto has always been, “If we didn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” Apparently, laughter breeds success.

Bergeron is the former president and chief executive officer of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), a real estate data aggregator and distributor providing the Chicagoland multiple listing service (MLS) to nearly 40,000 brokers and appraisers and 8,000 offices. MRED delivers over 20 products and services to its customers, complementing the top-rated MLS system in the country, connectMLSTM.

Since overseeing the development of the first computerized MLS books in 1979, Bergeron has earned his share of well- deserved accolades. He was Inman News’ Innovator of the Year in 1998 for introducing MLS listings to the Internet, has been included on Inman News’ 100 Most Influential Leaders list five years in a row and was named to the Swanepoel Power 200 this January, which recognizes the most powerful people in residential real estate.

When asked how Bergeron became so successful, he credits “trial and error, but mostly error,” and deflects praise to the entire MRED team. Perhaps that is why MRED was just recognized by Inman News as 2013’s Most Innovative MLS.

“I’ve found that success comes from selecting and surrounding myself with smart, capable people and acting as their coach,” Bergeron says. “When people are guided in the right direction and given the tools necessary to get the job done, innovation and success follow.” That has been demonstrated for the past three years by MRED being recognized by BenchmarkPortal as having one of the nation’s Top 25 Help Desks.

Bergeron thrives in that environment, which allows him to quickly adapt to changing technology and explore new ideas. His goal is to develop the MLS into a vehicle that supports the changing needs of the real estate community. And he and his customers will likely be smiling all the way.